Ask the Expert
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Michael Van Pelt is the founder of American Sycamore Woodworker’s Retreat. He has a reputation as the tool guru. Mike has been in woodworking for over thirty years. His knowledge of tools comes from his many years of intertwining experience in the woodworking industry. Mike’s experiences include being active as an Industrial Arts Teacher, professional instructor of power machinery and tool techniques, tool sales, management and owner of woodworking tool retail store, Delta Machinery representative and technical advisory.
If you have a question for Michael, choose the Submit Question button to the right by November 30th. We will send you a reply with Mike's response in mid-December and then post it to this page for other members to view. You never know...someone else may have the same question
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Listed below are questions and answers that have already been submitted.
Questions
[ Back To Main ]
9/9/2009
Band Saw for Making Jewelry Boxes
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
I am looking to buy a band saw that won't break the bank and will do the job of making jewelry boxes as a hobby for now and maybe later more full time. I am looking at a 14" size would that be sufficient? |
| A. |
A 14" bandsaw will do the job. Look for a machine with a heavy-duty cast iron arm for less deflection. For the wheels, the more spokes the better, the truer it will turn. Try to find one that has poly tires instead of rubber. Make sure the lower guide blocks and trust bearing or close to the underside of the table as possible for maximum holding of the blade so it doesn't drift. Happy hunting. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/24/2009
Best Band Saw?
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
With your experience what is the best 1.5 HP band saw for the money? |
| A. |
In my career I have sold 100’s of band saws and in my
opinion the best made 14” bandsaw is the Delta 28-475x. This saw is a work
horse and will give you a lifetime of trouble free use. I use one just about
everyday and you will find that the saw is a smooth running machine. The guides
are easy to adjust and conveniently located for easy access for the operator. I
am very confident that this saw will meet your needs and you will be pleased
with its performance.
|
[ Back To Main ]
4/16/2009
The Right 14" Band Saw
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
I'm planning to buy a 14" band saw open stand, but it's hard to choose the right one, after you reviewed some woodworking articles and they said good and bad things about them. What brand do you recommend me? Especially when the space is a problem. Thanks for your help. |
| A. |
Space is a problem. Band saws however have a very small footprint. So I recommend the Delta 14" X5 because it is the best band saw I have ever used. Buy a silicone steel 1/4" 6 TPI blade and set it up with cool blocks. Tune it up, add lots of tension. You will then be completely happy because it will be accurate and reliable. Plus it has good built in dust chutes for better sawdust management. |
[ Back To Main ]
4/16/2009
Make a Jig for Cutting Circles
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
How do you make a jig for cutting circles on a band saw? |
| A. |
I will recommend you get a hold of the Bandsaw Handbook by Mark Duginski. This
book, in my opinion, is the Bible of the bandsaw. There are several ways to
build a bandsaw circle jig. There are even commercial units that you can buy.
Mine have always been built out of need for a project then tossed. I take a
piece of ½ plywood, shoot a finish nail up through it, cut the nail and file it
to a point, clamp onto the bandsaw, align the nail the needed distance from the
front of the blade, and cut out the needed circle. |
[ Back To Main ]
4/14/2009
Thin Band Saw Blades
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
How do I keep thin band saw blades (like 1/16 and 3/32) in the blade guides? If they are inserted too far the teeth grind down the blades and guides. But at only about 1/32 insertion they tend to jump out, even with proper tension. Is there some secret? |
| A. |
I recommend that you contact Carter Products. They make a blade guide
especially for thin blades that fits most saws in the market. Good luck and
thank-you!
Carter Products Company,
Inc.
2871 Northridge Drive,
NW
Grand Rapids,
MI 49544
USA
Toll Free: 888.622.7837
Phone: 616.647.3380
Fax:
616.647.3387
Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm EST
|
[ Back To Main ]
4/14/2009
Band Saw for Shop
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I am looking for a band saw to round out my shops tools. I went to the woodworkers show and saw the new Steel City saw with granite top. I saw the review in the magazine, but they are coming out with a new model. What do you think of the granite top? I saw at the show a company selling the bearing wheels for the blade. Is this worth the money? Do some saws come with these bearings? I don't want to spend a fortune, we aren't doing this full time, this is an active shop that a friend and I use actively during the winter what do you think for under $900? |
| A. |
Great questions and a lot to think about. The granite top is no big deal to
me. I keep my tools in a temperature controlled shop. I have used and sold
many brands of band saws in my career, therefore it is my opinion the you can
not buy a better bandsaw in the $900.00 price range than the Delta USA 14”
model. No need to update the bearings for it comes from the factory with the
best guide bearings on the market. This saw is capable of tracking everything
from a 1/16th scroll blade up to a ¾ resaw blade. Please visit your local Delta
dealer and take a closer look at this bandsaw. Good luck and happy hunting! |
[ Back To Main ]
4/14/2009
Band Saw Blades
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I'm new to woodworking and just purchased a 10" band saw. I have to cut out notches for a project at an angle of 60 degrees going in both directions against the perpendicular, but I can only get one of the angles. I was wondering if I could flip the blade and run the piece in the opposite direction, which would give me the angle I need. |
| A. |
I would not recommend that you mount your blade backwards in fear of the teeth
contacting the rear guide rollers. I am afraid that this saw just doesn’t
have the capacity needed for this cut. Good luck! You could do the first cut
then finish by hand. |
[ Back To Main ]
4/14/2009
Minimum Radius
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
Where can I find a chart for the minimum radius cut (in wood) versus band saw blade width? What is the best blade lube to prevent burning on tight radius cuts? I have a 14" Delta saw. |
| A. |
Please visit www.olsonsaw.com and under SEARCH type the
wood “radius”. You will find a tremendous amount of information on blade usage
and minimum radius. I have used a band saw for years and I have never found a
need for band saw lubricate. Make sure your blades are tensioned tight and use
a file to round over the back of the blades to reduce blade drag as you are
turning a sharp turn. |
[ Back To Main ]
4/14/2009
Band Saw Application
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I am primarily a small project (ornate boxes, knick-knacks) and a wood carver. I am looking to cut down blocks of wood (basswood, poplar, etc.) to usable shapes, i.e., remove a lot of excess stock. Am exploring using a band saw to accomplish result but unsure of size to buy. Prefer bench top if possible. Any recommendations as to brand, model, or what features should I look for? |
| A. |
OK…Maybe
this is not the answer you want but here is the truth……save your money and buy
the USA Delta 14” bandsaw. This is the
best bandsaw for the money. This saw will do the job and will last you longer
than you or I will live. This saw is an investment and will pay you dividends
down the road by always cutting accurate and square. Spend the money….cry
once….buy too light of a saw and cry everyday! |
[ Back To Main ]
8/28/2008
Band Saws
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
Hi Mike, I'm starting to build my very first wood working shop.I'm sticking to purchasing General brand equiptment and The Delta brand in Canada, but i'm having trouble with purchasing my very first Band Saw.I was wondering if you can give me any tips on which one would be better. In Canada we have General, King, Craftex, Delta, we don't have Grizzly,Jet, or Powermatic, which look a whole lot better,Don't know if they work better or what. Not really comfortable with what we have in Canada. |
| A. |
In my humble opinion, and I have sold just about all brands of band saws and in
the 14” category you can not beat the USA Model Delta 14” band saw. The saw is
built very well….solid and dependable. It is easy to change blades and the
adjustment knobs are conveniently located. The saw has a double trunnion and is
dust collection ready. The saw will track from 1/16th blade up to a
¾” re- saw blade. A very good value with a great reputation. Notice that the
under the table bearings are located close to the table to support the blade
where needed. |
[ Back To Main ]
8/26/2008
Band Saw Blade Tracking
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I've been reading your answers about tracking the blade on the top tire and "lock it in place". How do you lock the top tire in position? Thanks. |
| A. |
I am sorry that I did not explain myself well. Locking the wheel in place is
accomplished by tightening the wing nut at the tracking knob in the rear of the
saw. |
[ Back To Main ]
8/26/2008
Band Saw Motor Upgrade
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
Hello, A famous woodturner named Trent Bosch has a video which depicts a 14" Delta bandsaw with riser block that has had the motor replaced to be 3HP for large green wood bowl blanks. How does one go about upgrading HP. I don't know if 3HP is necessary, but my 3/4 struggles with green wood. |
| A. |
I would take the old motor with me and go to a motor supply house. We are
blessed here with several near by sources. Have them match up the frame and
mounting plate and the same rpms of your old motor. You should not have any
difficulties in finding a 3hp that will match. Good luck. Also make sure your
switch can handle the increased motor and amperage. |
[ Back To Main ]
8/26/2008
Band Saw Cutting Speed
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
Hello -- I installed a 6" height kit in my Delta 14" bandsaw and found that the vibration increased quite a bit. I had some extra pulleys, so I played around with the reduction between the motor and the lower wheel and found that if I slow the saw down to 2,300 sfpm cutting speed it is much smoother. What is the disadvantage of running at a lower speed? I notice that some Delta saws (e.g., 28-682 and 28-206) have two speeds, but what is the rationale for selecting one speed over another? Is a slower speed better for some applications? Thanks. |
| A. |
I have the similar machine you have and I too have installed a riser block. I
have had no visible or evidence of vibration. I highly recommend The Bandsaw
Book by Mark Duginske. He does a great job of explaining proper alignment and
tracking procedure. Adjusting the thrust bearings and guide is most critical.
Proper blade tensioning is also a factor in tracking and noise level. Have you
tried different blades? Sometimes a blade will have a bad or thick weld causing
a problem. I have found no advantage when cutting wood to have a two speed
machine. The lower speeds are used when cutting soft metals. I would not cut
metal on my wood machine because of the residue and cutting oil left behind to
ruin my wood finish. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/27/2008
Bandsaw Use
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
Q.
|
I have a small bench top bandsaw and I cannot seem to cut a curve with it. The blade wants to bend and will not stay on the line. I have had the same trouble with a larger saw. What am I doing wrong? |
| A. |
It is the blade. Not you. Buy a $15 1/4" 6 tooth per inch Delta Platinum blade. Put cool blocks on the band saw. Add good tension. Track the blade on the center of the top tire. Bring up the thrust bearings above and below the table so they support the blade once cutting begins. You will now be the master of the saw! |
[ Back To Main ]
6/24/2008
Blade Jamming
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
I have a 14" 28-206 delta bandsaw with a riser. I have had several blades jam in the cuts working with 6" thick tupelo. They usually break when I try to free the blades. Problem arises whenever I try to "back-out" of a deep cut - any suggestions? |
| A. |
Backing out of any wood on the bandsaw is usually a hit and miss if it works without pulling the blade off the wheel. Try resetting the blocks and trust bearings above and below the table top, and reset the tension. On thicker pieces of material, you have a lot more blade in contact with the wood so there's less room for error. Mike |
[ Back To Main ]
6/20/2008
Buying Bandsaw
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
I want to buy a bandsaw that will resaw lumber. What do you look for in the machine? I want one that will do regular cutting(hobby projects)also. Thanks
|
| A. |
A 14" bandsaw will do the job. Look for machine with a heavy-duty cast iron arm for less deflection. The wheels, the more spokes the better, the truer it will turn. Try to find one that has poly tires instead of rubber. Make sure the lower guide blocks and trust bearing or close to the underside of the table as possible for maximum holding of the blade so it doesn't drift. Mike |
[ Back To Main ]
2/25/2008
Bandsaw Drift
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I've been reading all
the questions and comment solutions for this problem. I bought a 16" used
band saw and the previous owner told me that the saw will not cut a straight
line in lumber unless the guide fence is set at a slight angle off the true
line. I checked his setting of the guide fence when I got it home and set up
and sure enough it was set the way he said and resaw true. This setting was set
for cutting material on the inside of the blade i.e. on the right side of the
fence. I have had trouble with the material tipping, but only when it is higher
than 6" or so. Have you heard of this? |
| A. |
Yes this is common and
is called blade drift. The saw just
naturally wants to cut at this angle and the pervious owner just set the fence
to match. I believe that you can set
your fence square and cut straight if the Bandsaw is set up correctly. I suggest that you find the Band Saw Hand Book
by Mark Duginske. Mark is a Bandsaw
expert and this book will give you tons of information and will help with set
up problems. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/25/2008
What is the proper size Band Saw?
Answer provided by Marc Adams
| Q. |
I’m looking into a new band saw. I’d like the smallest size I can get away
with because my shop is small. However,
I’d like to be able to rip 3 1/2 inches of ash on an angle without drift. Any suggestions on a model? |
| A. |
The models 28-276 and 28-206 from Delta would both be
good choices. Keeping the saw well tuned and with a sharp 3tpi ½” blade would
do a great job with either saw. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/25/2008
Cut Glass with Band Saw?
Answer provided by Marc Adams
| Q. |
I have a question regarding band saws. I am looking to purchase a band saw for
cutting glass (stained glass) and I want to know if these band saws that are
used for wood are appropriate for glass cutting the same as those specifically
sold for glass. I like these better
because the quality seems more heavy duty for lasting endurance. Am I way off
track? |
| A. |
Bandsawing glass requires a water saw and a diamond
blade. Sorry but they are two very different mediums. The glass cutting bandsaw that I have is from
a company called Gryphon and it cost somewhere around $300. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/25/2008
Choosing a Band Saw
Answer provided by Marc Adams
| Q. |
Please recommend a band saw. Cost doesn't really matter, just want to buy
a band saw that I will be happy with. |
| A. |
Just picking a bandsaw is not that easy anymore. There are a lot of choices, so first you have
to decide what kind of work you plan on using it for. If you plan on general usage in the
woodworking shop a proven choice is the 14” size with ¾ to 1hp size motor. If
you are looking at doing a lot of resawing, I suggest that you look at a
greater capacity and greater horsepower.
Just remember you can cut little wood on a big saw but it’s hard to cut
big wood on a little saw. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/19/2008
Resawing Cut Not Straight
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
When resawing with a ripfence on my bandsaw I
can never keep the cut straight. Any suggestions? |
| A. |
The problem you are experiencing is call drift. Unlike
tablesaws, bandsaw blades have a
tendency to drift (move left or right). There is a great in depth article written by David Marks of the DIY
network on this subject any many more that could
benefit you greatly. On the internet in the search window type “bandsaw drift", then choose the (woodshop tour part 2 Bandsaw
tune-up DIY Network), and
you are on your way.
|
[ Back To Main ]
2/19/2008
Cool Blocks
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I
have a Delta 10" band saw model BS150LS.
I have been thinking about replacing my old blocks with cool blocks but
cannot find any place that sells them.
Mine are 1/4" X 5/8". Do you know how or where I can get them? |
| A. |
Try
Olson Saw Co at 203-792-8622! |
[ Back To Main ]
2/19/2008
Benchtop Band Saw
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
No matter how I adjust blade tension - distance
to board - or right by the blade and plate all my cuts are crooked? What am I doing
wrong, as I know it’s not the equipment? |
| A. |
Are you trying to use a straight fence with your
bench top Bandsaw? I have never had much
success using a fence to produce a straight cut on a smaller Bandsaw. The frame is just not heavy enough to put
much pressure and tension on the blades.
So, I just let the natural drift of the blade guide my cut and I feed my
work in that direction following a scribed line. I use a Bandsaw for curved work and a
tablesaw for a straight cut. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/18/2008
Band Saw Trouble
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I
have a 14 inch band saw that won’t track up properly. I purchased a table for
it and also a fence. I tried everything possible to set it up even using the
fence it runs of course. When trying to resaw I will start off with a piece of
wood that I want to be 1/4 inch thick
and end up with it 1/2 thick. I tried marking the fence and setting it up but
no luck. The tension on the blade is correct.
Can you please help? |
| A. |
I
need more information to really be of any help.
What manufacture of saw? Are you
using a resaw Bandsaw blade such as a ½” or ¾” 3 tooth hook. My favorite book on the subject is “Mastering
Woodworking Machines” by Mark Duginske. Mark will walk you through all the
problems and help you trouble shoot your Bandsaw. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/18/2008
Woodcutting Band Saw - Cut Metal?
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
Can
I adapt my woodcutting bandsaw to cut metal sheet metal, up to 1/4" mild
steel plate? |
| A. |
No,
this is not what the wood cutting band saw was designed to do. Stay with wood! |
[ Back To Main ]
2/14/2008
Band Saw Motor Upgrade
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
I
have a 14" delta bandsaw with a height adapter installed, a 3 tpi premium
blade, and cool blocks. It is drift
adjusted and running at higher tension.
I have been resawing 8" walnut timbers for veneer. While I am getting a decent cut it is a very
slow cut and the saw bogs down frequently.
The original motor is 3/4 hp & 1725 rpm. Will upgrading the motor
help and what hp/rpm would you recommend? |
| A. |
First
I want you to unplug the band saw and check the pulley tension. It must be nice
and tight. If it is really spongy follow the instructions in the manual and add
proper tension. Many times this is all the band saw needs to get full power for
any cut. More HP is better in thick dense woods. Make certain that the drive
pulleys are locked in the same plane. And buy a Delta “Platinum” ½” 4 tooth for
drift free cuts. It works! |
[ Back To Main ]
2/14/2008
Wood Turning
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
How
did you do that board to a bowl thing again? I tried it from memory after seeing
it, but I would not turn what came out. I must have forgotten something big,
you used a band saw and did a spiral thing and glued it up and then turned it. |
| A. |
Start with a board 2 inches thick. Lay out the spiral. Tilt and lock
the band saw table at 4 degrees. Use a ½” 4 TPI band saw blade to cut the
spiral. The bevel angle makes the spiral lock in on itself. Flip it over and
glue it up! Simple!
Just think of it like a Boy Scouts concentric
ring collapsible drinking cup. Only this is a locking spiral. Have fun! |
[ Back To Main ]
2/14/2008
Turning
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
On your spiral cut bowl what size blade do you
use on the bansaw? I tried to make one after watching you make one but had
trouble cutting it on the bansaw. Also how did you make sure you had it center
on the face plate ? |
| A. |
First I use the #10 screw and mason’s string to
lay out the spiral with a sharpe marker. The screw hole becomes the faceplate
center point. A ¼” wide blade works fine, so does a 3/8”. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/14/2008
Making Perfectly Round Wheels for Child's Wagon
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
What's the best tool and jig for making
perfectly round wheels for a child's wagon? |
| A. |
A circle cutting jig on a band saw works
perfectly for this. Delta sells a great one! It will speed this job up
accurately and precisely! |
[ Back To Main ]
1/29/2008
Bandsaws
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
When I use my rigid 14 inch bandsaw the blade
and the track come off the wheel. Is the blade too tight? |
| A. |
Trick question, right? I am a Delta band saw guy. I have
never had this problem on my Delta 14”. But it sounds like a good tune up is in
order. When you track the blade make certain that the band saw is unplugged.
Back the thrust bearings and guide blocks away from the blade. Track the blade
to the center of the tire and lock it in place. Add more tension. Adjust the
thrust bearings so they are right behind the blade at rest but a hair
(Literally a hair’s thickness) behind it. Adjust all guide blocks back to the
right positions.
This
should take care of business. |
[ Back To Main ]
8/6/2007
Tire on bottom wheel of Delta 14" Band Saw
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q: |
I recently purchased a Delta 14" band saw, read the
manual and put it together per instructions. The saw came with a 1/4" band
and I made sure that the tension, blade tracking, upper and lower blade guides
and support bearings, leveling the machine, etc. were correctly
accomplished per the manual. When I started the saw, the blade traveled to the
front of the wheel and came off the bottom wheel taking the tire off the
wheel with it.....managed to stop machine right away.
I re-read the manual, put the tire and blade back on the
bottom wheel, readjusted the tension and tracking, making sure that the
blade is in the middle of the top wheel and restarted the blooming machine
again. After several trials with same problem, the saw appears to work,
however, I noticed that on the upper wheel, the blade sits more towards
the front (about 1/8" from the front of the wheel) but stays in the
center of the bottom wheel. Also, the tire at the top of the bottom wheel
did not stay attached to the wheel but is raised up (centrifugal
force?) while running......is this normal? or do I need to replace
the bottom tire?...........I don't want to give up but it's tiring with all the
trial and error adjustments...but I love the saw....when it's running!
|
| A: |
I do not
pay much attention to where the blade is tracking. If the blade tracks and stays on the
wheels…….I am OK with this. I believe
each blade has a “personality”. Some
blades will track straight and some blades want to run at a slight angle. I tension the blades and spin the wheels with
my hand checking the tracking. I then
set the guides and go to work.
Your rubber
tire problem has me puzzled. Your tire
should remain flat and not rise up at all during operation. Did the tire get stretched? Let me know.
|
[ Back To Main ]
8/6/2007
Resawing
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q: |
How do you set up a band saw for resawing?
|
| A: |
Setting up a Bandsaw for re-saw work is very
similar to any blade set up on the saw.
I suggest you mount the largest blade width your saw will accept. On a 14” Bandsaw I would suggest a ½ wide 3
tooth per inch HOOK pattern
blade. I like to re-saw off of a
pivot-point rather than a fence. I suggest you take a look at Mark Duginskes
book on the Bandsaw. You will find many
helpful tips and techniques on the use of your Bandsaw. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/29/2007
Resawing Lumber Age about one hundred years old
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I just retired from
many years working for a company building custom bar's for restaurants! a vary
good friend and his wife purchased an extremely large tract of land in the
Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia
near the mountains! much to everybody's surprise it has an old barn on it and
when we entered it, we found that it is stacked with old lumber, there are
piles some 4" 6" 8" wide and some about 10"12'and 14"
wide all about 4" thick many are 2" 6" 8" thick the length
starting at 8' up to about 16' I am not sure as of yet what kind of wood it is
but it has a bluish look to it! we think that it is about 100 years old, it has
been free from the weather no rain, snow or sunlight, I am guessing it was cut
from the nearby forest then run through a long ago lumber mill. besides this he
has given it to me free, I am just putting together my own woodworking shop,
and i make high end outdoor furniture, my question is that I am getting ready
to buy a good band saw and am thinking of resawing some of this lumber for my
woodworking projects! what kind of advice can you give me on the purchase of a
band saw and what should i do about cutting this lumber. |
| A: |
My degree is in forestry.
It sounds like old heart tulip poplar to me. Light color woods like poplar get
darker with time. Plus old heart poplar often goes to a bluish and greenish
hue. I like to resaw with a Delta 14” band saw with a ½” platinum quality
blade. But with this much wood you really should hire a band sawmiller with a
Woodmiser to saw it into the dimension stock you need. They charge about 30
cents per foot. They come to your site to cut and restack it. It is a wise use
of time to go this way with this much stock. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/29/2007
Trasking
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I have a 14 inch Band Saw
and i cannot get it to saw in a straight line, it keeps veering to the
left no matteer what I do, Iv;e had it in the shop several times no fix.
it just sits ina corner of my shop making me mad at aadelta every time I
look at it`.. PLEASE HELP abt given up on this saw
|
| A: |
I am certain that you are using the wrong blades
on the band saw. Drift is the problem. Drift is when the blade will not cut
straight. The solution is to buy a platinum ½” four tooth blade for straight
cuts and re-saw work. Tune it up according to the manual and the drift will go
away.
Tip: Be certain that the blade is right in the
middle of the top tire. That the tire is then locked in place and that the
tension is set at ½”.
Again I stress using a high quality platinum
blade for best performance. The guide blocks can be upgraded to cool blocks
that help tremendously too.
|
[ Back To Main ]
6/29/2007
Delta 10" Band Saw Thrust Bearings
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
My bandsaw's thrust bearings didn't get the
lubrication they should have had. Now
the lower thrust bearing is frozen up and needs replacing. I have a new bearing
but I can't figure out how to get the old bearing off and the new bearing
on. Can you help? |
| A: |
Unplug
the saw and remove the table. Use a flat blade screw driver and allen wrenches
and remove the guide block assembly. Spray the thrust bearing post with
penetrating oil. Then let the oil work for an hour of so. Use vise grip locking
pliers to work the old bearing free. Some hammering is necessary. Clean the
post and reverse the steps above after you put on the new bearing.
I
like to spray all bearings with the Teflon based dry bearing spray once a
month. The bearing must be clean when the spray is applied. I do not recommend
oil on bearings.
|
[ Back To Main ]
6/26/2007
14" Delta Band Saw Dust Port
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I cannot find any connectors to fit the dust
port on my 14" Delta bandsaw that will enable me to hook it up to my dust
collector. Any suggestions? |
| A: |
Woodcraft sells them. Better yet why not add the
accessory 5” hose adaptor. This upgrade really dramatically helps to increase
dust collection capacity. Worth every penny! |
[ Back To Main ]
6/25/2007
Ball Bearing Guides
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I have an old Delta 14 in, band saw
and I just put the Carters Ball bearing guides upper and lower, Are these better
or worse than the cool block you mentioned earlier ? I also had problems with
runoff in resawing but will try the tension tighter , thanks for that
tip. |
| A: |
Well Bill I can say that
they both work great. Ball bearing side guides should be lubricated with
Bearingcote Teflon spray often. It helps in many ways. Run Platinum Delta 1/2"
blades and the drifting should stop.
Here is the tune up process. Unplug the saw. Back the thrust bearings and the
guides (above and below the table) completely away from the blade. Set the
tension as recommended for the blade size, Track the blade so it rests on the
center of the top tire and lock it in place. Adjust the guides so the leading
edge of the guides are 1/16th behind the gullet of the band saw teeth. There
should be no gaps between the sides of the blade and the guides. Lock them in
place. Adjust both thrust bearings (above and below the table) so they are
within a hair of the back of the blade at rest. Lock them in place. Follow the
instructions in the manual. This will guarantee great cuts.
|
[ Back To Main ]
6/25/2007
Cool Blocks
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
Please explain what are cool blocks
and are they available for all types and sizes of band saws? where are they
available? Though I own many delta tools I have a old14"craftsman and 17"
grizzly that I inhereted from my father and I have resaw blades for them. I have
recently built a 30'x40' work shop and I'm in the process of setting it up and
am thinking of dedicating one of these saws strictly for resawing work which one
would be the best choice for this? |
| A: |
It all comes down to first
buying a premium quality blade fit for the job. I like the Delta ½” 4tpi resaw
platinum blade. Then I use the cool blocks that I bought at a woodworking show
(in every major city every year). They make them for almost every saw. But
sometime you have to have them shipped to you if it is an unusual brand. Cool
Blocks replace the steel guide block that come standard on most band saws. They
are phenolic resin blocks designed to support the blade and help keep it cool
during the cut. The 14" saw will work just fine for resawing with a premium 1/2"
blade. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/25/2007
Tension Indicator
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I have an older Delta 14" bandsaw. I
think it is great but I notice that the tension indicator in the back can’t
reach maximum tension for larger blades! Is the spring loosing it’s tension and
can/should I get a new spring? This seems to be a problem with wider blades 1/2
and larger that I use for resawing. |
| A: |
O.K. Jon, this is a tough
one because everyone has a different opinion. You can buy new springs. They can
wear out. It will help. I think that everyone overlooks the obvious. We blame
the tensioning scale or spring when the blades are welded to tolerances of plus
or minus 1/8". So I just add a little more tension to make it all work out. And
at the end of the day I always back the tension knob off 6 turns to save the
spring, the blade and the tires. And I always remember to re-tension the blade
properly before turning it on the next day. I hope this works well for you! |
[ Back To Main ]
6/25/2007
Band Saw Resawing
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I ordered a fence for my 14" Delta
bandsaw to do some resawing. I've setup the band saw with a 1/2" 4 tpi and every
time I try to resaw, it starts out great but about 3" into the resawing it
curves inward and I back off and attempt to straighten the cut. I've adjusted
and readjusted going strictly by the book and it still happens. I have actually
have given up on resawing. Can you give me some idea what to do? I have to
mention, even if I resaw the out side or inside of the board it still does the
same thing. |
| A: |
This is called drift Ed.
Blade drift is a function of the blade. You need to buy a premium quality
platinum ½ 4 tpi blade. Replace the guide blocks with cool blocks. This should
get rid of blade drift in resawing. Make sure the blade is tracking on the very
center of the top tire. Add lots of tension and have fun. Let me know how this
works for you. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/25/2007
Tire Life Expectancy on Band Saw
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I have a Delta 12 inch band saw
purchased back in the 90s. It gets light to moderate use cutting primarily soft
woods. How long should I expect the tires to last? I have moved to Minnesota and
the saw will be housed in the attached garage which will double as my work shop.
Will the extreme cold affect the saw? |
| A: |
The tires should last a
decade of good use. Longer if you keep the band saw tuned up with premium
quality blades. I personally like the platinum blades of Deltas. I always
retrofit the band saws with cool blocks for better functionality and longer
blade life. Also make certain that the blade always tracks on the center on the
top tire. |
